Jump to main content
Search
shortlist register contact us menu

Schoolchildren 'can become more numerate by counting with their fingers'

Date posted : 28 June 2017

Counting on one's fingers can play a crucial role in establishing a foundation of mathematical understanding for schoolchildren, according to new research.

The Sheffield Hallam University study has indicated that finger-based maths games may represent a much more important part of maths learning than previously thought, and ought not to be seen as a behaviour that should be discouraged.

For this research, a group of 137 primary school pupils aged between six and seven were asked to take part in a number of counting and number games, with a select group assigned exercises that involved finger-training.

Whereas some students were asked to take part in games involving numerical symbols like dominoes or snakes and ladders, others played finger games, such being asked to hold up a given number of digits, or tasks that involved assigning specific numbers to their individual fingers.

All of these children were shown to perform slightly better in maths tests than a third group of pupils who had simply continued with their regular maths teaching, but the group which did both the counting and finger games fared significantly better.

This indicates that the use of fingers in early maths learning can play an important role in helping children to conceptualise mathematical concepts in a more tangible way, giving them a means of understanding the theory on a deeper level.

Professor Tim Jay of Sheffield Hallam University said: "This study provides evidence that fingers provide children with a bridge between different representations of numbers, which can be verbal, written or symbolic. Combined finger training and number games could be a useful tool for teachers to support children's understanding of numbers."

List #1

Related posts

Looking for a permanent teaching role?

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

TP 30 Years - Danielle

Teaser

People & Culture

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Danielle shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years. She's completed an apprenticeship, managed a branch and w

Teaser

Read more
TP 30 Years - Patrick

Teaser

People & Culture

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD04YY

Summary

Patrick highlights a decade of his work as Teaching Personnel celebrates a milestone of 10 years.He's built relationships with schools and his own management style to successfully run a branch

Teaser

Read more
TP 30 Years - Hannah

Teaser

People & Culture

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD04YY

Summary

As Teaching Personnel celebrates 30 years, we hear from Senior Branch Manager, Hannah James, who reflects on her time with us these past 11 years.  The impact we have on our schools and educat

Teaser

Read more
TP 30 Years - Vicky

Teaser

People & Culture

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD04YY

Summary

As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Vicky shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years.She joined as a trainee recruitment consultant and has become an

Teaser

Read more
TP 30 Years - Rebecca

Teaser

People & Culture

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD04YY

Summary

As we celebrate 30 years of making difference, get to know Rebecca who has worked at Teaching Personnel for nearly a decade. Being able to support schools and help place the right educators

Teaser

Read more
TP 30 Years - Jenny

Teaser

People & Culture

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD04YY

Summary

As Teaching Personnel celebrates its 30-year anniversary, Jenny reflects on a decade of working at Teaching Personnel.From starting as a teaching assistant to overseeing multiple branches, her

Teaser

Read more
Future Teachers Programme - Gemma's Story

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD04YY

Summary

Gemma joined the Future Teachers Programme shortly after graduating. Now in a permanent teaching position, she reflects on how the programme shaped her classroom experience and supp

Teaser

Read more
Future Teachers Programme - Ben Whittle

Teaser

People & Culture

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD04YY

Summary

Discover Ben Whittle’s role and find out about his impact within the Future Teachers Programme Read more How long have you been with Teaching Personnel and where are

Teaser

Read more
Future Teachers Programme - Anna's Story

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD04YY

Summary

What motivated you to join the Future Teachers Programme? I was first motivated to join the programme when I was looking for different pathways into teaching that wasn’t the PGCE route. I was look

Teaser

Read more
company logo
Search